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[neddy]

After 152k miles I think the head gasket  has gone, no overheating but I've noticed a coolant loss, bubbles from both pipes into the expansion tank when the cap is off and pressure in top hose when it's on. Strangely the car starts on 3 cylinders then after 1-2 miles runs properly on 4 after the ignition is turned off then on again. There also seems to be a slight "fog" from the exhaust. Any other ideas please?

[Lazydocker]

Sounds like it could be, but you need to do a compression test to confirm

[PhilRich]

Sounds pretty conclusive to me, as exactly the same symptoms as mine, but as LD said, a pressure test will be definative
I bet if you let it stand overnight & then have a look into pot No.4 (nearest the windscreen) with a bright torch or do a dip test with a pencil etc. with a cotton bud firmly fastened to the end you will find water there!
On the Plus side, it's not a difficult job to diy it & the only 'special tools' required are a cam locking tool (iro £6 from Draper) a decent torque wrench & if possible an angle gauge. 

[neddy]

Silly me I've got a comp tester and had forgotten all about that side of things - I'll try it tomorrow. Thanks for the reminder!!! I've even remembered about keeping the throttle open. I have thought about having a go at the valves and stem seals whilst it is stripped down bearing in mind the mileage. Has anyone any one any other ideas??